Engaging My Online Friends

As an avid user of social media, I like engaging the online community. I recently had the opportunity to meet up with several members of the online community at Wondermama restaurant in Bangsar.

We started our conversation discussing their concerns and queries about Budget 2015. I reassured them that not only does the budget aim to continue the policy of reducing our fiscal deficit, but it also addresses the concerns of the rakyat; for example, we are reducing income tax rates, investing in infrastructure, and increasing the number of GST exempt items.

My online friends agreed that fiscal consolidation and the long-term sustainability of our economy was critical if Malaysia wishes to achieve developed nation status. I shared my views regarding the repayment of student loans and why Malaysia needed subsidy rationalisation.

It was a pleasure to get to know everyone on a more personal level: The behind-the-scenes personality of Redza Minhat, the successful network marketer in Shaliza Aziz, the chatty and entrepreneurial Dr. Faiz of Abstrax Jingga, the property expert Farah Wahida [propertyguru.com], and last but not least, the economics expert Nurhisham Hussien [econsmalaysia.blogspot.com].

I look forward to having more engaging sessions with my social media friends – be it online or offline – as it is an important way for me to connect with the rakyat on a more personal level. I am grateful for your continued support and feedback. If you have any ideas for future initiatives like this, I would be happy to hear them either in the blog comments or on my Twitter and Facebook.